Moderate coffee intake linked to healthier ageing

A recent study presented at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting in Orlando suggests that moderate daily consumption of caffeinated coffee may contribute to healthier ageing in women. The research, led by Dr Sara Mahdavi of Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, analysed data from nearly 50,000 participants over a 30-year period.

The study found that women who consumed approximately 315 mg of caffeine daily — equivalent to about three small cups of coffee — had a 2% to 5% higher likelihood of ageing healthily. Healthy ageing was defined as living past 70 without major chronic diseases and maintaining good physical, mental, and cognitive health.

Notably, the benefits were specific to caffeinated coffee; similar positive effects were not observed with tea, decaffeinated coffee, or soda. In fact, cola consumption was associated with a lower likelihood of healthy ageing.

While the findings are promising, Dr Mahdavi emphasised the need for additional research across more diverse populations. She also noted that coffee should be part of an overall healthy lifestyle, not a standalone health solution.

This study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that moderate coffee consumption may offer health benefits, including reduced risks of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and certain cancers.